Warts and verrucas are small lumps that form on the skin and almost everyone will have one at some point in their life. They are not harmful but they can be itchy, painful or embarrassing for people.
There are different types of wart that people will be familiar with including verrucas and hand warts. Other warty growths include the very common seborrhoeic keratosis.
Verrucas and warts can affect anyone of any age and at any site. Verrucas are found on the feet and are caused by a virus. Walking on them can be painful at times. They often have tiny black dots underneath the hard skin surrounding them.
Warts are firm and rough and are most often found on the palms, knuckles, fingers and knees but can be in other places such as around the face. They vary in size and shape, and will often be skin-coloured in appearance with some being black or brown.
Seborrhoeic keratoses are slightly different and tend to occur later on in life. By the age of 40 30% of the population will have had at least one, increasing to 75% by the age of 70. They are non-contagious and do not turn into skin cancer. Unlike other verrucas and warts, these are not caused by a virus. The exact cause is not clear but exposure to sunlight is thought to be a risk factor. They are made up of our own skin cells, often have rough surfaces and range in colour from shades of pink, brown and black.
The truth is, treating verrucas and warts is very challenging. There is no one treatment that can guarantee a cure. As most will go naturally in time, doing nothing is entirely appropriate.
There are some treatments however that might help improve and clear them up, these include:
All the above have the risk of side-effects including leaving scars and, as mentioned, are not guaranteed to work.
Seborrhoeic keratoses however often respond better to treatment. Treating these can be done with freezing (cryotherapy) treatment, lasers or a minor procedure that scrapes them off (curettage) under a local anaesthetic. After removal, it is possible for a seborrhoeic keratosis to grow back in the same place in the future.
At our clinic, we offer personalised treatment advice, cryotherapy (freezing) and minor surgery. If you would like us to confirm your lesion is a wart, verruca or seborrhoeic keratosis and offer guidance on the best treatment options, we would be very happy to help.
If you have a verruca, wart or seborrhoeic keratosis and would like us to have a look, please contact us using one of the options detailed below.
If it is deemed that a closer look is necessary, we can arrange an initial consult.
After discussing your options, should a procedure be the recommended course, this can be arranged
I was a little nervous going to the BCM clinic as I had 18 Keratoses to be removed! I was warmly welcomed on arrival and put at ease straight away and everything was explained before the treatment and procedure commenced. I was thoroughly checked and my skin was analysed for any unusual marks and moles and I was told there was nothing sinister which was very reassuring.
Dr McFadden was very professional, gentle in his approach and I am so relieved they have all been removed and the healing is going very well. He was also very quick and methodical and his assistant Clare was delightful and empathetic as I am not the best patient!!!
Procedure was explained clearly and concisely and completed efficiently without pain. Very professional and personable doctor and very good assistant to help it all go smoothly. Would highly recommend without hesitation.
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